echo and the bunnymen

This is the era of the “album live.” That’s very different than the “live album,” which is just a recording of a live performance. In fact, it’s the opposite – an act will take its studio recording and perform it live in its entirety.

Echo and the Bunnymen’s first set on Thursday night at the Fox Theater in Oakland was a disappointment. The worse news is that was the set that most of the approximately 2,000 fans came to see – a complete performance of the band’s most highly rated album, 1984’s “Ocean Rain,” with orchestral accompaniment. Fortunately, the Liverpool alt-rock act made up for the weak first half by delivering a wholly enjoyable nightcap filled with other classic material. Continue Reading →

The week’s up, way too soon. Certainly one of the best SXSWs of the nine I’ve attended. Here’s one last batch of bands that made me sit up and take notice. Then time to take a week or two off, and start planning for next year.

The She Creatures are a novelty act, that’s tough to deny. When you dress up as female invaders from Venus, complete with blue hair and skimpy space suits, you’re kinda limiting your career’s long-term potential. But while they’re at it, these invaders from Bristol, England are making some great girl-group pop in the mold of the Ronettes and other 60s outfits. The girls go by Nancy Raygun (guitar), Princess Slayer (keyboards) and Haley Comet (bass), and almost every song has some reference to their space personas.

And when novelty is done this well, you’ve gotta give them their due. They might have to reinvent themselves for their next outing, but I’m sure it’ll be good. And how can you dislike any group that covers Paul Revere and the Raiders’ “Hungry.” Listen to the She Creatures here.Continue Reading →